The messenger must be silenced.
In the chilling supernatural thriller "Stigmata," the narrative revolves around Frankie Paige, portrayed by the talented Patricia Arquette. Frankie is a young woman who has never subscribed to organized religion or demonstrated a strong faith in the divine. However, her life takes a drastic turn when she begins experiencing disturbing and inexplicable phenomena. These strange occurrences manifest as physical signs reminiscent of the stigmata – the wounds that Jesus Christ endured during his crucifixion. This sudden and violent transformation thrusts her into a turbulent journey that challenges her perception of faith and reality, as well as her ability to maintain control over her own life.
As news of Frankie’s eerie plight reaches the Vatican, it captures the attention of high-ranking church officials, who are both intrigued and alarmed by the implications of her experiences. In response, they assign the task of investigating her case to Father Andrew Kiernan, played by the charismatic Gabriel Byrne. As Kiernan delves deeper into the enigma surrounding Frankie, he begins to uncover not only the terrifying manifestations of her condition but also the darker and more sinister forces at play. The tension escalates as Kiernan wrestles with his own beliefs and the weight of the supernatural implications of Frankie's suffering, questioning the very essence of faith and doubt as he strives to comprehend and confront the malevolent entity plaguing her.
The film expertly weaves themes of spirituality, fear, and the battle between good and evil, drawing viewers into a world where the lines between faith and skepticism blur. As Kiernan becomes increasingly immersed in the mysteries that engulf Frankie, he realizes that saving her may require confronting forces beyond his understanding. This gripping tale not only explores the complexities of faith and spirituality but also challenges the characters—and the audience—to reconcile the inexplicable with the rational. Through haunting imagery and a compelling narrative, "Stigmata" invites viewers on a suspenseful journey that examines the power of belief in the face of overwhelming darkness.
Full Cast of Stigmata
Patricia Arquette
as Frankie Paige
Patricia Arquette delivers a compelling and intense performance as Frankie Paige in the 1999 supernatural thriller "Stigmata." As a troubled hairdresser from Pittsburgh, Arquette's character becomes the unwilling vessel for the stigmata, the wounds suffered by Jesus Christ during his crucifixion. Arquette's portrayal is both raw and nuanced; she captures Frankie's initial confusion and fear as she experiences inexplicable phenomena, and her transformation into a vessel of divine messages is both haunting and mesmerizing. Her performance is marked by a physicality that conveys the pain and torment of the stigmata, as well as an emotional depth that reveals Frankie's internal struggle with faith and her newfound role as a reluctant prophet. Arquette's ability to balance skepticism with a growing sense of wonder and horror makes her character's journey not only believable but also deeply relatable to the audience, anchoring the film's supernatural elements with a grounded human experience.
Gabriel Byrne
as Father Andrew Kiernan
Gabriel Byrne delivers a nuanced and compelling performance as Father Andrew Kiernan in the 1999 supernatural horror film "Stigmata." As a priest with a strong belief in science and a background in debunking false miracles in the Catholic Church, Byrne's portrayal brings a grounded skepticism to the forefront of the narrative. His character is tasked with investigating the inexplicable phenomenon of stigmata manifesting in a non-devout hairdresser, played by Patricia Arquette. Throughout the film, Byrne's performance captures the internal struggle of a man of faith confronted with events that challenge his rational worldview. His transformation from a pragmatic investigator to a true believer in the miraculous and divine is both believable and emotionally resonant, largely due to Byrne's ability to convey deep intellectual curiosity and profound spiritual awakening. His interactions with Arquette's character are fraught with tension and chemistry, driving the narrative forward with a sense of urgency and existential dread. Byrne's portrayal of Father Kiernan is a standout element of "Stigmata," as he navigates the murky waters between disbelief and a deepening spiritual conviction, ultimately leading to a powerful and redemptive arc.
Jonathan Pryce
as Cardinal Daniel Houseman
Jonathan Pryce delivers a compelling performance as the enigmatic and conflicted Cardinal Daniel Houseman in the 1999 supernatural thriller "Stigmata." His portrayal of the high-ranking Vatican official is a standout element of the film, bringing a depth of character and a gravitas that anchors the narrative. Pryce's Houseman is a man torn between his unwavering faith and the unsettling reality of the supernatural phenomena he encounters, specifically the inexplicable stigmata suffered by a young woman, played by Patricia Arquette. Pryce skillfully navigates the complexities of his character's internal struggle, displaying a range of emotions from skepticism and doubt to a profound sense of spiritual crisis. His nuanced portrayal adds layers to the film, as he conveys the inner turmoil of a man whose beliefs are challenged by the unexplainable, ultimately leading to a transformation that questions the very foundations of his faith and his role within the church. Pryce's performance is a testament to his talent for personifying characters that are both intellectually and emotionally complex, making Cardinal Houseman a memorable and thought-provoking figure in the realm of religious-themed horror films.
Nia Long delivered a compelling performance as Donna Chadway in the 1999 supernatural horror film 'Stigmata,' directed by Rupert Wainwright. As a hairdresser unexpectedly caught in a web of otherworldly phenomena, Long's portrayal of Donna is both genuine and relatable, providing a grounded counterpart to the film's dark themes and special effects. Her character's initial skepticism and subsequent struggle with the inexplicable stigmata afflicting her friend, played by Patricia Arquette, allows the audience to connect emotionally with the unfolding drama. Long's performance effectively captures the terror and confusion that come with encountering the unexplainable, while also showcasing her character's strength and determination to help and protect her friend. Nia Long's nuanced acting breathes life into Donna Chadway, making her a memorable and empathetic character in the midst of the film's eerie and thought-provoking narrative.
Thomas Kopache
as Father Durning
Thomas Kopache delivers a compelling performance as Father Durning in the 1999 supernatural thriller "Stigmata," adeptly portraying a priest whose faith is tested by extraordinary circumstances. His character is a staunch servant of the Church, deeply entrenched in its traditions and doctrines, yet he finds himself at the center of a mysterious and disturbing phenomenon when a young woman in Pittsburgh begins to exhibit the wounds of Christ, known as stigmata. Kopache skillfully navigates the complex emotional landscape of his character, from initial skepticism to a profound spiritual crisis, as he grapples with the implications of these events. His performance is marked by a palpable intensity and a subtle nuance that brings depth to the film's exploration of faith, doubt, and the search for truth in the face of the unexplainable. Kopache's Father Durning is a man torn between his devotion to the Church and an emerging awareness of a reality that challenges the very core of his beliefs, making his portrayal a memorable and haunting aspect of the film.
Rade Šerbedžija
as Marion Petrocelli
Rade Šerbedžija delivers a compelling performance as the enigmatic and tormented Marion Petrocelli in the 1999 supernatural thriller "Stigmata." His portrayal of the Vatican investigator is nuanced and intense, capturing the internal struggle of a man grappling with his faith and the inexplicable phenomena he encounters. Šerbedžija's Petrocelli is both haunted and haunting, as he confronts the mysterious stigmata afflicting a young woman, played by Patricia Arquette. His performance is a highlight of the film, as he brings depth and gravitas to the role, expertly conveying the character's emotional turmoil and intellectual curiosity. Šerbedžija's interactions with Arquette are electric, as the tension between skepticism and belief is played out on screen. His portrayal adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, as viewers are drawn into Petrocelli's desperate quest for understanding and the ultimate challenge to his spiritual convictions.
Ann Cusack (born May 22, 1961) is an American actress.
Shaun Toub is an Iranian-American film and television actor. He is perhaps best known for his role as Farhad in the 2...
Lydia Hazan
as Attending Nurse
Crew of Stigmata
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